Artwork
Belle de jour
Belle de jour is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1956 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
The title *Belle de Jour* hints at a connection to the 1967 film of the same name, but this is just a fashion sketch from 1956.
This sketch shows a woman in a simple black dress with a white collar and cuffs. She holds a small object in her right hand and wears low-heeled shoes. The drawing is loose and quick, with clean lines and flat colors.
The title *Belle de Jour* hints at a connection to the 1967 film of the same name, but this is just a fashion sketch from 1956. The white collar stands out against the dark dress, giving it a sharp, elegant look.
If you like this style, look up shawl collar next.
Overview
Belle de jour is a fashion illustration executed by the French house Carven in 1956. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑century commercial drawing.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a woman dressed in a plain black dress accented by a crisp white collar and cuffs. She holds a small object in her right hand and wears low‑heeled shoes, presenting a poised yet informal figure that emphasizes the contrast between dark fabric and bright trim.
Technique & Style
Rendered with quick, confident strokes, the sketch relies on clean lines and flat areas of colour. The loose handling gives the image a sense of immediacy, while the stark white collar against the black dress creates a striking visual balance.
Context
Although the title recalls Luis Buñuel’s 1967 film Belle de jour, the illustration predates the movie by more than a decade and serves solely as a fashion sketch. Its aesthetic aligns with the streamlined, modernist approach typical of 1950s French ready‑to‑wear design.
Artist & collection
Artist
These delicate ink-on-paper drawings capture the quiet poetry of everyday things: pinecones, reeds, apples.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
Continue through works from the same source collection.
